Gestational Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Description
Elevated blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy. It occurs in 6-7% of all pregnancies, and is most commonly seen with the woman's first pregnancy. If left untreated it can cause damage to the kidneys, heart, and brain. The disorder can also lead to pre-eclampsia. Women with gestational hypertension also have a higher incidence of having premature deliveries and low birth weight babies.
Symptoms
Headache, dizziness. Sometimes there are no symptoms.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests include serial blood pressures.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- BHCG
- UA
- EKG
- Ultrasound
Treatment
Therapy depends on how high the blood pressure is and the age of the pregnancy. Treatment includes: antihypertensive medications, decreased salt intake, observation and close follow-up, and/or early delivery of the baby.
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